The right eye primer for your lids really does avoid the unflattering crease that forms on aging lids. It helps keep your eyeshadow in place longer, some for up to eight hours. I’ve tested many eye primers over the past several months. I kept the best-performing ones and returned the ones that didn’t work for me.
When trying an eye primer, it’s best to get a sample from Sephora if possible. That way you won’t have to make another trip to return it if you’re not satisfied. Here are a few of my favorites and a couple that I would not recommend. Some are high end, others are from a drugstore. These primers can be worn over both shimmery and matte shadows.
High-end favorites:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Shadow Primer. This primer is easy to apply and blends easily. Shadows remain in place for up to eight hours without a touch-up, no creasing.
Tarte Clean Slate 360 Degrees Creaseless. This tube needs to be shaken a bit before squeezing the product to avoid it not blending properly (and therefore wasting the product). Not my favorite feature; however, once you get the right consistency out and apply, it goes on smoothly and it gives your shadows a bit of glimmer. It last’s all day with no creasing.
Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. The applicator to this primer is indeed the best of all. You can apply it directly from the container or pour a small amount on your fingers and blend. It offers great all-day coverage with no creasing.
High-end duds:
Benefit Air Patrol. This primer is overpriced, the container in not easy to use, and you end up wasting a lot of product when using the applicator. It immediately applies greasy, and although it dries fairly quickly, the sheen is too unflattering for mature lids. It gives your eyes after a look of oily, shiny lids along with a noticeable crease after jus a few hours. Finally, it’s the most expensive of all.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. This primer applies well, has great consistency, but creases. It might be better suited for younger eyelids.
Drug store favorites:
Milani Eyeshadow Primer. I love this primer; it’s one of my favorites. This primer applies smoothly, blends well, lasts all day, and does not crease. Best of all, it’s less than half the price of the high-end primers I mentioned above.
Wild Card: Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly. Although this is not considered a primer, it a great shadow base you can apply after your primer for even tone and smooth complexion. If you use this product, you can skip applying concealer on the lid, and apply concealer under the eye area only.
